Women In Land Development - WILD About Building Your World

WILD History
By, Pat Shaurette – October 2008

In July 2005 – Lori North and Jane Hendrickson sat together in Jane’s office. They had just met, and were comparing notes on who they each knew in the business. My name was mentioned (I don’t know how kindly J), and it was speculated that there MUST be other women in the City who were also involved, in one capacity or another, in land development. Men in the business have their golf outings - - wouldn’t it be interesting to get the women together?

Well, Lori called me, and I called a dozen others, and on August 30, 2005, WILD was born at a breakfast meeting at LePeep with 6 people around the table.

The acronym was in place even before that first meeting - - I scribbled several ideas out (still have the paper in my file) - - WWDG (Women Who Develop Ground), WWDD (Women Who Dig Dirt), WWGB (Women Who Golf Badly – didn’t know how wrong that was), WWDB (Women With Dirty Boots) - - - but I think you will agree, WILD (Women In Land Development) was the most fun and descriptive.

We decided rather quickly that lunchtime would be a more crowd-friendly gathering time (since, of course, women are busier in the morning than men are), so lunch gatherings followed. By that October, we had 13 attendees and we were off and running. Our current “membership” list numbers over 40!

While there is seldom a specific agenda, the meetings provide an open forum for information that is both candid and timely. We share experiences, ideas, concerns and triumphs. Many e-mails requests have been met with immediate response giving product reviews, contractor references, or other business related support.

We have also welcomed new babies, endured the loss of jobs, supported members through personal health trials, and mourned with members who have lost loved ones.

We have celebrated three years together, and look forward to many more!

Welcome to WILD!




Membership Profile

There is a wide breadth of experience represented in the organization, both professionally and personally.

We have within our ranks W/DBE business owners, Architects, Certified Planners, CPA’s, Attorneys, and Engineers. Collectively, we have expertise in every aspect of Land Development from site acquisition and entitlement, through project management and turnover.

Our employment profile spans the private and public sectors, with representation including commercial and residential development companies, general contractors, public utilities, Municipal and County Governments, banking, surety and risk management, design and consulting engineers, professional consulting and product supply.

Our members regularly show up on the business pages of trade magazines and the Indianapolis Business Journal. But our membership has also expanded beyond Indianapolis, and now includes members in Ohio and North Carolina.

We range in tenure from over 30 years of experience in the industry to just over 30 years of age. We take our mentoring role very seriously, always opening the door to the newest members of the field. Many of us have participated in more structured mentoring programs, through community outreach and educational communities.

Personally, we are a richly and diversely talented group - - singers, musicians, artists, athletes, actors - - even a clown! We rejoice in our differences and in the common themes that have brought us together.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

December e-letter

Only two more weeks of 2008! I've never been one to wish time away, but I don't know that I'll be too sad to see the year end.
We had a brilliant turn out for a cold December day and thanks to Jamie Ford and Schneider Corp for hosting our December luncheon. Li brought a co-worker, Jill Shirley, to join us, and we had more of Schneider's finest (although they didn't sign in on the list - - is that a hint?).
Joanie Fitzwater was back in town for an interview, and she brought information about an intriguing (and humbling) counterpart to our acronym (see attached). While we probably can't afford the $10,000 price tag, I would encourage you to go to the website and maybe think of someone on your gift list who would appreciate a "share of a goat". I think I have solved my client gift problem.
I've also attached the latest member list. If you see anything that needs correction, let me know. I will not put this on the blog for public view unless we reach unanimous consensus that that's OK.
We have no volunteer for January, so don't be shy if you want to be the one to welcome in 2009 with WILD.
Hope your Holidays are healthy, safe and full of hope.
Peace,
Pat
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Wednesday, December 10, 2008

WILD Holiday Happenings!

Hello everyone,
Jamie Ford will be hosting our next luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, December 15th at the offices of Schneider Corp. Please RSVP to Jamie no later than this Thursday, 12/11, so that appropriate food can be arranged.
See you soon, and thanks, Jamie!!!
Pat
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Jamie Ford Makes Headlines

Indianapolis Star
December 8, 2008
Section: BUSINESS

The Fast Track

Name: Jamie Ford.
New post: Business development manager at The Schneider Corp.
Previous positions: Project manager and civil engineer.
Education: She has a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Boise State University.
Other: Ford is a licensed professional engineer in Indiana.

Congratulations Jamie!
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Friday, November 21, 2008

Thankful for New Employment

Dear WILD women,

I wanted to let you all know that I am very grateful to have been offered a position with a CPA and Business Advisory firm on the Southeast side of Indianapolis. I will be handling Business Development, Marketing and Recruiting for Simons Bitzer and Associates, PC. I am in my second week and loving every minute of it.

While public accounting is very different from new home construction, customer service and marketing strategies transfer across industry lines. Although I am no longer playing in the dirt, I am hopeful you will allow me to remain a member of your wonderful group as I've grown very fond of you all!

Take care and best wishes for a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
Sincerely,
Raegan Potter

http://www.simonsbitzer.com/
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Thanksgiving Greetings from Pat Shaurette


Once again the leaves have fallen, the frost is on the pumpkin and it’s time to reflect on another year.
As difficult as this year has been for many of us, I am thankful to have had the ongoing association with all of my WILD friends as we have continued to expand our numbers and interests.
We have said some good byes, welcomed some new babies, survived some illnesses, weathered some job changes, enjoyed many and varied lunches, and always kept our sense of humor and balance!
You have all been so good for me, and I look forward to many more WILD meetings with you.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Your humble servant,
Pat Shaurette



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Thursday, October 30, 2008

We had a RECORD turn out (I think we ended up with 18! - - including Jill and Brook for the first time) for the October luncheon - thanks again to Michelle and Paragon for hosting the event.

We also have a volunteer lined up for the next meeting, which will actually be a combined November/December event due to the Holidays. We'll be hearing more on that soon!

Raegan talked a little about our new BLOG - - if your reading this, you know about it already. What you don't know is how to post - - e-mail me or Raegan for the password if you have something to put in. . .

We discussed the possibility of posting the membership contact list - - does anyone have any thoughts on this? We don't want to put out information if someone is uncomfortable with that. We might also be able to post resumes, job openings, major events, photos, etc. . . we can make it anything we want it to be!

Happy Halloween everyone!
Pat
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Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Joanie Fitzwater sends beatiful greetings!!

This is a link to some fall photographs of our project in Linville. The mountain in the view is the Blue Ridge Range’s much beloved Grandfather Mountain. There are (17) 1.5 to 3.2 acre lots with this view. It is about a 2.5 hour drive from Charlotte. Every time I drive into the mountains it feels like I have come home. I think I have said that before. Take care everybody!

Joanie

http://toddbushphotography.com/tbp/LinvilleOaks10-19-08Web/
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Monday, October 13, 2008

Karen Powers Gets Well Deserved Ink!

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081013/BUSINESS/810130317#
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October Luncheon

Hello everyone!
This month, my bosses at Paragon Companies, said we could have our October WILD luncheon in our conference room. Don't worry, they have been warned about us WILD women and are prepared! It is going to be on Tuesday, October 28th at 11:30am. We are going to have Panera Bread sandwiches and fresh (non bagged) lettuce salads. For those of you who don't know where Paragon is, the directions follow: Take 465 to the north east side.Go north on 69, exit at 96th street.Turn right on 96th and go to the first light (just off of the over pass - Hague Rd)Turn right on Hague (heading south now), go past Roche to the light at 86th streetTurn right on 86th street. It dead ends up against 69. Turn right on the service road.We are the third building on the right with a big red sign.Note: Don't be confused by the first building Paragon Medical - that's not us!
Call me if you have questions at 806-6741.
Please RSVP by next Friday, October 24th.
Looking forward to seeing all of you!
Michelle
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